Photochemical Etching / Milling
Over 60 Years of Leadership
in the Photochemical Machining Industry
At Etchit, we specialize in photochemical etching/milling, a precision metal fabrication process that produces burr-free, stress-free, and high-accuracy parts with unmatched repeatability. Our photochemical machining (PCM) services enable customers to create complex geometries and intricate designs that are challenging or impossible to achieve through conventional machining, stamping, or laser cutting.
What Is Photochemical Milling?
Also known as photochemical etching, chemical milling, chemical etching (chem etch), or photo etching, photochemical milling uses controlled chemical reactions to remove selected areas of metal. The result is a highly accurate part that maintains material integrity and dimensional consistency, ideal for demanding industries such as:
- Aerospace
- Medical
- Automotive
- Military
- Audio & Visual
- Computer & Technology
- Colleges & Universities
- Stamping Facilities
- Circuit Boards
An economical alternative to laser and water jet cutting, stamping, punching, or wire EDM, our PCM capabilities enable us to quickly modify a part’s design by simply changing the photo tool design. This inexpensive and quick tooling makes our services ideal for prototyping, allowing for easy changes when required.
Our Photochemical Machining Capabilities
Etchit’s chemical etching process is ideal for small to medium-sized metal components. Our advanced chemical milling machines can maintain tight dimensional tolerances and work with many commercially available metals or alloys of any hardness, with a thickness range of 0.0005″ to 0.032″. Our equipment accommodates a maximum panel or part size of 24” x 28”, allowing for efficient production of multiple parts per sheet while maintaining precise control.
Although Etchit does not provide full product design services, we do offer specialized design assistance aligned with our photochemical machining capabilities to help ensure manufacturability, yield, tolerance, and cost efficiency. Our skilled engineers work directly with your team to optimize the design you already own. By refining existing designs for the photochemical milling process, we help you to achieve better performance, higher yields, and reduced manufacturing costs.
Complete Photochemical Machining Services
We are your one-stop shop for precision metal components. When you partner with Etchit, you gain trusted photochemical etching/milling experts with deep knowledge in the photochemical machining industry, as well as a reputation for quality, consistency, and exceptional customer service.
Our team can manufacture parts to exact specifications within a short period, whether it involves a flat blank or a more complex component with a variety of forms and finishes. From one piece prototypes to large volume production runs, all of our work is done to the highest quality standards.
To learn more about our photochemical machining services, see the sections below:
Machining Processes
- Photo Chemical Milling
- Photo Chemical Etching
- Chem Etching
- Chem Milling
Process
- Phototool/Artwork Generation
- Material Preparation
- Photoresist Coating
- Imaging
- Developing
- Etching
- Resist Strip
- Inspection
Equipment
- Chemcut Etchers
- Chemcut Developer
- Custom Liquid Resist Tank
- Western Magnum Dry Film Laminator
- Keyence IM-6125 Inspection
Materials (Metals)
- Copper
- Beryllium Copper
- Stainless Steel
- Brass
- Kovar
- Nickel & Nickel Silver
- Phos Bronze
- Cold Rolled Steel
- Blue Temp Steel
- 17-7 PH
- Call for Others
Secondary Services
- Forming and Bending Services
- Heat Treating Services
- Passivation Services
- Plating Services
- Reverse Engineering
- Stock Parts for Customers (KANBAN, JIT, etc.)
Thickness
- .0005 to .032 in
- .0013 to .813 mm
Production Volume
- High Volume
- Large Run
- Large Scale Production Volume Run
- Long Run
- Low Volume
- Prototype
- Small Run
- Specialty Production Shop
Lead Times Available
- Lead times vary based on complexity and quantity
- Quoted on job by job basis
- Rush Services Available
Industry Focus
- Aerospace
- Medical
- Automotive
- Military
- Audio and Visual
- Circuit Board
- Computer and High-Tech
- Stamping Facilities
- College and Universities
Applications
- Washers
- Screens
- Heat Sinks
- Connectors
- Gaskets
- Switch Contacts
- RF Shields/Covers
- Computer Components
- Flex Circuits
- Decorative/Custom
- Battery Contacts
- Custom Shims
- Encoder Discs
- Lead Frames
File Formats
- PDF (Portable Document Format)
- AutoCAD (DWG, DXF)
Benefits of Photochemical Machining
As a trusted provider of precision metal parts utilizing the process of photochemical milling, Etchit combines decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology to deliver consistent results from prototype through production.
Choosing the PCM process over traditional machining or stamping offers significant benefits including:
- Burr-Free and Stress-Free Parts: No mechanical deformation or heat distortion
- Complex Design Capabilities: Easily produce intricate and detailed geometries
- Maintain Tight Tolerances: High precision for intricate designs
- Shorter Lead Times: Fast turnaround for streamlined production
- Quick and Easy Design Changes: Enables efficient product development cycles
- Inexpensive Tooling: Economical machining option that reduces cost
- Supports Thin Materials: Ideal for delicate or precision applications
- High Repeatability: Consistent results across multiple production runs
These advantages make the photochemical machining process an excellent choice for those seeking cost-effective precision with reduced lead times.
Common Photochemical Machining Questions
What tolerances can you hold?
Material thickness is typically the most significant factor in determining what tolerance can be held. The thinner the material, the tighter the tolerance.
What kind of tooling do you use?
We create a phototool that replicates your approved geometry and nests those images across an optimized panel size, on two precisely registered layers of mylar, to maximize panel efficiency and yield.
Photochemical Machining Services
Etchit provides the precision, repeatability, and flexibility you depend on, delivering photochemical machining services that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Ready to take the next step?
Request a quote to get started today!